If we analyze history of Arakan , we cannot find the word
“Rakhine” before 1970s. The word, “Rakhine” was fabricated in 1970s to get promotion
of State authority. The only word used for Arkanese Buddhist was Mug. So Rakhine were not indigenous
race in Burma before 1970s. Rakhine fabricated
thousands of histories ,again they failed to prove Rakhine’s
authenticity, now they are calling themselves Arakan which is neither Rakhine’s
word nor Bamar’s word, it is a Persian or Urdu word.
For Rohingya’s authenticity see
An 1826 British government document on the
cultures and inhabitants of Burma, today known as Myanmar, settles any
lingering arguments over whether Muslims have lived here for hundreds of
years.Secret and Political Department, Fort William, the material begins with:
I, having made a tour through the
province of Arracan, and its dependencies Ramree, Cheduba and Sandoway and
having inspected the localities of the frontier and debouchments of the
mountain passes, I am not enable with the aid of information collected from
various sources, respectfully to submit for the consideration of the Right
Honorable, the Governor General in council, a short report of the character of
the country, history, population, productions and manners and customs of the
inhabitants.
The confident
author of the report states...
The extent of the Population has been
tolerably well ascertained, proved a census taken by Mr. Robertson, and myself,
and may be considered as approximating very nearly to the truth.
With plenty of references for their work, the
authors note many details about the state of Burma in 1826 and they were given
the country full accepted history up to that point in time and it is an
incredible look back into time.
If we analyze that report, we will
find that 53.3% of Mug headmen were from Ramoo of Bangladesh; among 30 Mug
headmen, 15 are from Ramoo of Bangladesh, 1 from Cheduba of Bangladesh, 3
re-migrated from Bagladesh. There were 11 Muslim headmen, only one person was
mentioned re-migrate; Ameer Allee, a
remigrant Mussulman from Cox's
Bazar where he was from some time employed
in the subsidiary Police establishment. It means Muslims did not come from
Bangladesh.
There
are many words in daily life usages which are neither Rakhine’s words nor Bamar
words, those are specifically related Muslim only such as para, sardar, raja, zumeendar, jageedar, nazir, mahilla, arries, seer, tayngs,
rutalu, maund etc.
Rakhine
and Myanmar Government have been publishing bias history, false and baseless
history against Rohingya. They claimed that the word “Rohingya” was used first
time after independence of Burma in 1948 . According to authentic historical
documents, it was used widely in 17 century.
SOAS Bulletin of Burma Research, Vol.
1, No., 1, Spring 2003, ISSN 1479-8484
Early Article Reprint 1
Francis Buchanan published his
"A Comparative Vocabulary of
Some of the Languages Spoken in the Burma Empire" in 1799, in the fifth
volume of Asiatic Researches" This piece provides one of the first major
Western surveys of the languages of Burma. But the article goes beyond this and
provides important data on the ethno-cultural identities and identifications of
the various population groups in the first half of Bo-daw-paya's reign
(1782-1819), For these reasons, the article is republished here.
The article is reproduced in its entirety, with slight
modifications as follows. The letter "J" used for the contemporary
usage (thus, "Chinese"). "s" in such words as "Chineje" follows
contemporary. At several points in the article, the original publisher did not
include all the necessary characters (and sometimes lopped off the ends of
sentences)" ln such cases, the lost letter or likely word has been
included within brackets. Split words, using a dash at the end of a sentence
have been reunified (hence, "woman", is now "woman").
Finally, the article has been repaginated to fit within the overall scheme of
this issue of the SBBR. Beyond these points, no changes have been made and all
footnotes are derived from the original article.
The original citation for the article is as follows:
Francis Buchanan, "A Comparative Vocabulary of Some of the
Languages Spoken in the Burma Empire." Asiatic Researches 5 (1799):
219-240.
M.W.C
A Comparative
Vocabulary of Some of the
Languages Spoken in
the Burma Empire
Francis Buchanan, M. D.
TO judge from external appearance, that is to say, from shape,
size, and feature, there is one very extensive nation that inhabits the east ol
Asia.lt includes the Eastern and Western Tartars of the Chinese authors, the
Calmucs the Chinese, the Japponese, the Malays and other tribes inhabiting what
is called the Peninsula of lndia beyond the Ganges: and the islands to the
south and east of this, as far at least as Neuz Guinea. This, however, is
speaking in a very general sense, and many foreign races being intermixed with
the nation, and, perhaps, many tribes belonging to it, being featured beyond the
limits I have mentioned.
COMPARATIVE VOCABULARY
The people called by us Burmas, Barmas, Vermas, Brimmas, &c.
stile themselves Myammaw. By people of Pegu, they are named Pummay ; by Karaya, Yoo; by the people of Cussay,
Awa, by the Cussay Shau, Kammau ; by the Chinese ofYounan,Laumeen ; and by
theAykobat, Anwa. They esteemthemselves to bedescendedfromthepeopleolArakan,
whom they often callMyanmmawgyee that is to say, great Burmas.
The proper natives oI Arakan call themselves Yakain, which name is
also commonly given to them by the Burmas. By the people of Pegu, they are
named Takain. By the Bengal Hindus, at least by such of them as have been
settled in Arakan, the country is called Rossaum, from whence, I suppose, Mr.
Rennell has been induced to make a country named Roshaum occupy part of his
map, not conceiving that it would be Arakan, or the kingdom of the Mugs, as we
often call it. Whence this name of Mug, given by the Europeans to the natives
ol Arakan, has been derived, I know not;but, as far as lcould learn, it is
totally unknown to the natives and their neighbors, except such of them as, by
their intercourse with us, have learned its use. The Mahommedans settled al
Arakan, call the country Rovingaw; the Persians call it Rekan.
The third dialect of the Burma language is spoken by a small tribe
called Yo. There are four governments of
this nation, situated on the east side of the Arakan mountains, governed by
chiefs of their own, but tributary to the Burmas.
The fourth dialect is that of what we call the coast of Tanessarim,
from its city now in ruins, whose proper name was Tanayntharee. These people,
commonly called by the Burmas, Dawayza and Byeitza, from the two governments of
which their country consists, have most frequently been subjected to Siam but at present they are subjects of the
Burma [kingdom]
Although the dialects of these people, to one another, appear very
distinct, yet the difference consists chiefly in such minute variations of
accent as not to be observable by a stranger. In the same manner as an
Englishman, at first, is seldom able to distinguish even the Aberdeen accent
from that of the other shires of Scotland, which to a Scotchman appears to be
different; so, in most cases, I could perceive no difference in the words of
these four languages, although among the Burmas, any of the provincials,
speaking generally, produced laughter, and often appeared to be with difficulty
understood. I shall, therefore, only give a list of the Burma words of the
other dialects are the same,where difference is not mentioned.
COMPARATIVE VOCABULARY
These six areall
thelanguages Burma Empire of this great eastern
of which I stay in the Burma Empire. I was able to procure"evocable sufficient
for my purpose. Although they appear very different at first sight, and the
language of one race is totally unintelligible to the others, yet I can
perceive in them all some coincidences; and the knowledge of the languages,
with their obsolete words, their phrases, their inflection of words, and
elision, euphoria cause,could perhaps, show many more. Those that have the
greatest affinity are in tab I, IV and V Mr. GILCRIST whose knowledge of common
dialect in use on the bank of Ganges is I believe exceeded by that of no
European, was so obliging as to look over these vocabularies; but he could not
trace the smallest relation between the languages.
I
shall now add three dialects,spoken in the Burma Empire, but evidently derive
from the language of the Hindu nation.
The first is that spoken by the Mohammedans, who have
long settled in Arakan, and who call themselves Rooinga, or natives of Arakan.
The second dialect is, that spoken by the Hindus of Arakan. I
procured it from a Brahmen and his attendants,
who had been brought to Amarapura by the king’s eldest son on his return from
the conquest of Arakan. They called themselves Rossawn and for what reason to persuade
met hat theirs was a common language of Arakan. Boththese
tribes, by the real natives of Arakan, are
called Kulaw Yakain or stranger Arakan.
The last dialect of Hindustanee which I shall mention, is that of
a people call by Burmas, Aykobat, many of them are slaves at Amarapura. By one
of them I was informed, that they had called themselves Banga; that formerly
they had kings of their own; but that, in his father’s time, their kingdom had
been overturned by the king of Munnypura, who carried away a great part of the
inhabitants to his residence.
When
that was taken last by the Buermas, which was about fifteen years ago, this man
was one of the many captives who were brought to Ava. He said also, that Banga
was seven days’ journey south-west from Munnypura; it must, therefore, be on
the frontiers of Bengal, and may, perhaps, be the country called in our maps
Cashar.
Mr. GILCHRIST has been
so good as to examine particularly these two dialects, and to mark thus ( * )
those words which come nearest the Hindustanee spoken on the Ganges; and thus (Å£)
those not so evidently connection with the same, but which show resemblance by
analogy.
English
|
Rooinga
|
Rossawn
|
Banga
|
Sun
|
Bel
|
*
Sooja
|
Bayllee
|
Moon
|
Sawn
|
Sundsa
|
Satkan
|
Stars
|
Tara
|
*
Nokyoto
|
*
Tara
|
Earth
|
Kool
|
Murtika
|
*
Matee
|
Water
|
Pannae
|
*
Dsol
|
*
Pannae
|
Fire
|
Auin
|
*
Aaganee
|
Zee
|
Stone
|
Sheel
|
*
Sheel
|
*
Heel
|
To:
George Swinton Esquire
Secretary to Government in the Secret and Political
Department
Fort William
Sir,
1st.Havingmadeatourthrough theprovinceofArracan,anditsdependenciesRamree,Cheduba,
and Sandoway and having
inspected the localities of the
frontier and debouchments of the mountain passes, I am now enable
with the aid of information collected from various sources, respectfully to submit for the consideration of the Right Honorable the Governor General in council, a short report ofthecharacterofthecountry,history,population,productionsandthemanners andcustoms of the inhabitants.-
2nd.
The
difficulties experienced in gaining correct
information in a country
with the language of which the inquirer is not thoroughly acquaint render it perplexing, and
often doubtful. I have however taken care, to state, nothing without being
myself satisfied of its correctness, either
from ocular observation, or the best
proof that existing
circumstances could produce.-
3rd.
The History of the early ages is merely to a traditional and fabulous, and has
been collected partly from manuscripts of Mr. Robertsons; the letter part, including Kyng Berring
invasion down to the conquestof Arracan bythe British Government,
may be considered authentic is having
been extracted partly from Mugh
manuscripts and from the
oral communications of many
individuals in whose times the
events took place and who were eye
witnesses of the scene.
4th
. The character of the country has been attained from ocular observation and
from the kind communication of my
friends Lieutenants Thomerson and Cammilin of the engineers, its extent however is roughly computed, no survey
having yet been made of it—
5th. The extent
of the Population has been tolerably well ascertained, proved a census taken
by Mr.Robertson, and myself,
and may beconsidered
as approximating very nearly to the truth.
6th.Aknowledge of the productions of the country, and of the manners and customs
of the people has been acquired
from observation and from the
communications of the most intelligent
men in these Provinces.
7th. Having submitted
the above explanations, and
trusting to the indulgent consideration
of government, I shall
without further preface,
respectfully and in as concise a manner as
possible lay the result of my
enquiries before this Lordship.
The
province of Arracan and its dependencies Ramree, Cheduba,& Sandoway
lie between 18&21 degrees of
north Latitudes and may be averaged at about 60 miles in breath
bounded on the East and South by
the Yoomadong Mountains, on the west by the bay of Bangal, and on
the north by the Naaf, and the
mountains of Mybe at the source of the Mrosoy, covering an extent
of about 11,000 square miles, of which there are
not at present more than 400 in a state of cultivation. The
greater part of the country from
the bottom of the mountainsdown to the
sea is asunder bun and the only possible way of communicating with the different villages
is by water.
The
province of Arracan exclusive of the capital includes 55 village Divisions or Districts,
each District or Division containing
according to its size from2 to 60 Paras, or small villages, each division is placed underthe
controlof a Sirdar (Division
Head)who is held responsible for the good
conduct of the Paradas of his
division, who are generally appointed by the suffrage of the villages.
The Town of Arracan was divided
by the Burmese into eight wards
according with the number of outlets
from the fortifications, each ward had
its own police, but all were placed
under the Moosoogree and Acherong
of the city, who received the
daily reports of any complaint was
preferred not cognizable by them it—was referred to the judicial court,
consisting of the Akonwan
(collector of land revenue) Akonwon(Collector of port
customs),two Cheekaydos (law officers) and two Nakhandos (royal reporters). lf the case could not be settled bythem,
an appeal was made
to the Rajah whose decision was final
in all cases, not affecting the officers of the state, or Kheonks of
village Divisions, who had the privilege of appealing to the Shaway hlwoldo or court
of the king in council.
ln
capital offences the friends
of the criminal, if able to pay a
handsome sum of money, scarcely ever failed to effect the release of
the culprit, and often even; at the place of execution. ln many
cases Plaintiff and Defendant
were both made
to pay fees and costs of which the
officers of the police had their share, and in consequences the utmost
vigilance and efficiency
were kept up, rendering it almost impossible for crime to be committed without the knowledge of the civil officers of the state.
The
province of Ramree includingAmherst islands is divided into 25 village Divisions, the province
ofSandaway contains 17 village divisions, the island of Cheduba has always
been considered as one district and contains 10 paras, the provinces of Ramree,
Sandaway and Cheduba had each a Deputy Governor but allwere subordinate
to the Rajah of Arracan, whose
situation was the best
in the gift of the king of Ava, and
always bestowed upon
some relation, or as a reward for eminent services rendered to the state by the individual invested
with that high honor, who was only required to remit
a portion of the revenue to Ava
for the support of the white elephant, never
exceeding 120 Bisswas of silverequalto about l.R. 18,663...... the remainder become
his sole perquisite.
The
governor and deputy governors were Benerally relieved every third or fourth
year, when their successors
arrived, the Kheonks or Head men
of village divisions were summoned to the seat of government,when a heavy fee was exacted for—confirming them in all their former rights and privileges.
According to the chronology of the Mughs,
the present year of our
Lord 1826 corresponds with
1188 of their Era, which was
established in honor of Goadmah,
who introduced the worship of Boodhism into these regions during the reign of Chainda Soorea Gota and built
the famous Temple of Mahamooneechuck, when the religion of Boodhas had been universally adopted.
Goadmah told the King that
he intended visiting
other nations of the earth for the purpose of propagating the true religion, and
solicited his permission to depart, which was granted on his
allowing the King to take a caste
of his figure in mixed Metals; all the cunning artificers
in the Kingdom having been
convened, the work was commenced on a Wednesday morning
and on the following Friday the Caste
was complete, when Goadmah disappeared
and the image was set up in
his stead. The
image is stated to be composed of equal parts,Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, Lead, Tin, iron, Steel and butenagua and of the
following dimensions
4Pedestal of thesame metals as the image, 4 cubits broad.
Figure in a sitting
posture 8 cubits high.
-Chanda Sorea Gota the first Rajah on record after a long and
happy reign died in the 63'd year
of the Mug Era.
His successors
were Soorea Kadow.
Who
died in the Mug Era ………………………………………….117
Maha lyng …………………………………………………………………154
Soorea
Chanda 1st……………………………………………………… 226
Maila Tya Chanda
……………………………………………………..268
Buba Chanda
……………………………………………………………..288
Kala
Chanda ………………………………………………………………..317
Thula Chanda 1st…………………………………………………………
346
Soorea
Chanda 2nd………………………………………………………
368
Sikkee Koja
to Chanda ……………………………………………….384
And
was succeeded by Thala Chanda 2nd
who being a great –favorite of the gods they sent him an
enchanted spear, Dhaw and Magic
ring from the invisible world; in the year 387,
he went on an expedition
against chinas leaving the
magic ring with
his wife as a safe guard to her virtue,
and charm against
the influence of evil eyes with this
injunction that in the event of
his not returning, she should raise that person
to the throne, whose forefinger
the ring would
fit, knowing it would accommodate itself only
to him who was blessed with the favor of the Gods, and
that he should there by not
only secure a good Husband for the Queen but a wise ruler
for the people, the rajah, having
affected the object of his expedition was accidentally drowned on his way back, the merciful
intelligence was conveyed to the Queen by the minister, who
tried every artifice to ingratiate
himself into the queens favor, with the hope of being
raised to the sovereignty.
The Queen told him of the rate King's
injunction relative to the Ring… fore-finger the ring fitted ….whether a
prince of a rajah, and presented the ring to him in full
Darbar, who made
every effort to put it on, but in vain, it was then tried
by the nobles who all suffered a similar mortification, at length
the story of the ring having
spread far and wide, two
brothers by name Nura Ta and Nura Ko on
the Jhoom caste, lnhabitants of the Kaladyne Hills
came to try their fortunes,
and both found
the ring to fit, the queen
made choice of Nura Ta and raised
him to theThrone, who shortly
afterwards becoming jealous of
his brother slew him, upon which
Bay Bay won, Nura Ko's
son fled to the mountain of Phoo
BhongTong, between Arracan and Ava, aboutthis period, Soo Bhoong phoo, King of
Ava being irritated on
hearing that the Queen of Arracan had raised a Jhoom to the throne, resolved to make war upon Nura Ta, on his way to Arracan he fill in with Bay Bay
won who volunteered his aid against his Uncle, when they
arrived at the—Villages of
Parongdying in Arracan Bay Bay Wom
remained to fast and pray for three days and entreated
the Gods, that if it was
decreed, he should become
the rajah of Arracan and be
permitted to revenge his father's death, they would send
him three armed boats from the invisible world; on the
third day his prayers were
attended to, and the war
boats appeared, but he was instructed first to attack the kingof
Ava, and then march against his
Uncle. Having worsted the KingAva,
who retired to his own kingdom,
he advanced towards the capital,
Nura Ta fell sick and died in 392 after a reign
of only five years. Bay Bay
Won held the reign of government
undisturbed till the year 405 when Nuurra
Towayza king of Ava, to revenge
the defeat of Soo Bhong Phoo
invaded Aracan with a large army, and
having defeated Bay Bay won
in a pitched battle, compelled
him to retire to Phosaney Kang,
where he recruited his forces
and received the contest, and after
various engagements succeeded in recovering
the western half of his Kingdom, the Burmese
holding the eastern.During this divided
rule, there appear to have been
continual disputes which lasted till the year 423, when
NamongTadong, theson of king Theola
Chanda who was drowned
in returning from China, came from the Hills of Wybee near Goorgenia,
where he had been long
secreted with an army of
Jhoom attacked, defeated and
killed the Burmese Rajah; aboutthis time Bay
Bay Won died, and Namong Tadong became
Rajah, and held his
court in the city of
Chanbolay till the year 438 when
he died,
upon which the minister raised a descendant of the ancient rajahs
by name Kadow San to the throne, and he
ruled till the year 443,
his immediate successors were as follows-
Chanda Sau, Brother of the late Rajah who reigned
till the year…………….. 449
Manik
Rang froo son of Chanda Sau……………………………………………………………459
He was succeeded
by his son Maha Soorea who
reigned---till the year 462 when
his Brother Soorea, obtained the
sovereignty and ruled till464, and was succeeded by his son
Poomkee who held
the reins of government till the
year 468
when a person named Manik Froogeeree
became Rajah and
ruled till the year 470,
when his minister, Chang
Saban raised a rebellion in the
Kingdom, and having
put the Rajah to death assumed
the reins of government
which he held only for one
year, having been deposed
by his own minister
who placed a son of Manik Froo
geeree by name Maneek Kyn Las upon
the throne, who ruled till the year 476
and was succeeded by Manik son 1st, who ruled till the year 479.His successor was Manik Kala
who governed till the year 481
when Manik Phalong 1't, ascended
the throne, who was deposed
and put to death in 485 by his
own minister Sang
Khyng who held the government till the year
487.About this period two of
Manik Phalong's sons
fled and took refuge with the King of Ava, their
names ware Manik Son 2nd and
Manik Zadee, on the death of Sang Khang
they held the government, till the
year 492 when Layya San grandson of Manik Phalong assisted with an
army from the King of Ava invaded Arracan, defeated
and killed Manik Zadee
and possessing himself of the rein of government ruled
till the
year 498, His descendants and successors governed
as follows.
Leyya
san till the year ……………………………………………500.
Maha
Rajgeeree ………………………………………………….. 502.
Leyya Myngeeree 1st ………………………………………………
510.
Leyra Mungtee ……………………………………………………….. 520.
When
Kowaba ascended the throne and reigned till the year 530, this Rajah built the temple
of
Mahatee
and set up in it the large and famous idolof that name,
he appears to have ruled over a part
of China, the whole of Ava, Siam,
and Bangaland to have been possessed
of five white Elephants, on his death,
his Son Dapa became King,
and held possession of all his
father's dominions till the year
542, when he
died this Prince
is stated to have been Lord
of 60 white Elephants,
his successors were as follows--.
Anyng
who ruled tillthe
year …………………………………….544.
Manik
Tatukja ……………………………………………………………….549.
Myng Jokeer……………………………………………………………………551
Kyng Tha Rooboo…………………………………………………………….553
During
the reign of these princes, china, Ava and Siam appear
to have been wrested from the government of Arraccan.
Chalung Bafroo, the minister taking advantage of the imbecility of Kyng Tha Rooboo put him
to death and usurped
the government, but the people
not being pleased with this wicked act, openly rebelled and
having killed Chalong Bafroo,
raised Bajoo san a son of Kyng Tha Rooboo to the throne, who re-conquered all the countries lost in the four former
reigns, this prince died in 564 and the following were his immediate
successors.
Nara biam Manik who ruled till …………….566.
Taboo
Khyng………………………………………….571.
Makoo roon…………………………………………..574.
Machoo…………………………………………………579.
Machaung San ……………………………………..580.
Manik Kounk geeree
………………………….. 581.
Manik
Koonkee ……………………………………..582.
Khyngfa Laung geeree …………………………...588.
Khynfa
Laung Nee …………………………………..584,
This
rajah having been
deposed and killed by his minister was succeeded by his son
LeyyaMyngeeree who ruled till the year 589
his successor was Lana
Phan Froo who governed till the year 600, This Rajah's 1st son Nanajee
held the sovereignty for the
first six months and his 2nd son
NetaLaung for the last six
months of the year 601- when a descendent of the old Rajahs by name plawaNafroo son of Manik
Koonkee obtained the government and
reigned till the year 607.
This princeruled extended as far as the city of Moorshedabad which was in his
possession, his successors
wereRajahLhokrey who ruled till 610. And Chowa
Lakrey who ruled
till 615, and another son of AlawaNafroo whose name
is not preserved held the—reins
of government till 623, he was
succeeded by Jormer Soorea who reigned till the year
630, when NynKageeree succeeded
the throne and ruled till 633.
This Rajah's government provingtyrannical and oppressive to the people, they
rebelled and put him to
death but raised his
son ManikPhalong Thu 2nd to the throne and he held
the government till the year 637.When he
was deposedand slain by his
minister Chamya who succeeded
the sovereignty and held the rule
till the year 648,when his subject rebelled and having
put him to death get ManikJy son of Manik
Phalong a boy ofabout 7 years old
upon the throne who ruled till the year 746 a persist of 98
years, his successorwere as follows:
Bjana
geeree who ruled till …………….749.
Sageeree…………………………………………..752
Synjaway Manik ………………………………757.
Rajah Lao ascended the throne in 758 had his minister Chyeer
Mien having stirredupa
rebellionobliged him after
one or two successful engagements to leave
the kingdom and occupied
thegovernment, which he held
till the year 750, in the year
761the people of Arracan being dissatisfiedwith Chynyaman government
deposed him and brought
Rajah Lao back who ruled
till the year 762,and was
succeeded by his brother Chanda Lao who
reigned tillthe year766, his
son Soomoowaywas raised to the throne, in the year 768,
Long Bhaung Rajah of Ava
throne of the Yokee, andhaving assembled
an army invaded Arracan,
Soomoo way not being able to oppose him left thekingdom and took refuge with the king
ofHindoostan leaving Mong Bhoong to take quiet possessionof the reins of Government Soomoo
way having ingratiated himself with the king of Hindoostan
byteaching his people the proper way to catch wild elephants made bold
to solicit his aid in
recoveringthe throne of Arracan. The
king sent one of his minister by name
Wali Khan with
an army for that purpose and he
succeeded in driving—the Burmese out of
the Kingdom, but instead of placing
Soomooway upon the throne, he threw
himinto prison and usurped
the government himself, Klee
Kang, Soomooway's Brother
managed tobribe the officers
in whose custody he was, and they
both fled to the King of Hindoostan who onhearing what had
occurred sent forSadeek
Khan the son of Walee Kaan
and ordered him to
proceedin company with two of his
Ministers Soo Baba
and Daum Baba, with strict instructions to replaceSoomooway on the throne and put his own father to death,
the kings orders were duly
obeyed,Soomooway was reinstated, and Walee Khan decapitated
in the year 792, Soomooway
removed theseat of government from Chambalay to the town of Arracan, built a stone Fort and surrounded theTown
with a strong wall measuring about
nine miles, the labor of this
work must have beenimmense as in many
places moulds of Earth are thrown
up to fill the spaces between contiguoushills, in others the hills are joined to each other by a mound
faced on both sides
with stone tookaveraging in height from 50 to 1"00 ft. This
prince appear to have paid
annually one lac of rupees tothe king of Hindoostan, which
was continued by his
successorAlee Khang, and by his son Kala
Shamauntil the year 854, his successor were as follows -
Jaroo
who ruled till the year ……….856.
Manik
Ra Bong for only six
months
Cha Lauk Ka till
…………………………….863.
Manik Rajah……………………………………885
Kosa Buddee…………………………………..887
Manik Chawa geeree ………………….. Six months.
Sha Rajtill……………………………………….893
Mainba…………………………………………..915
Manik Da…………………………….…………917
His brother whose name is not
preserved- 926.
Manik Phatah …………………………………….955.
Manik Rajgeeree ……………………………… 975
Mara
Thyn………………………………………….984
Sooree Soo Thyn ………………………………..1000.
Moongjanee
ruled only 28 days when he
either died of disease or was put to death by his
ministerNara Buddeegeeree, who
held the sovereignty in the year 1007 and was succeeded by his son SadooThyu who governed till the
year to22 and was succeeded by
Chowala Thae Chyu, it was in this reign that Soojah the brotherof
Arungzabe sought refuge in Arracan and was kindly received by the Rajahwho supported him and his followers for five years, notwithstanding the Rajah's hospitality andkindness, Soojah was not content, and actually set up a faction in the Kingdom. He
repaired to thehilloftheKaladyneandhavingbeenjoinedmanymal-contentsse
the Rajahatdefiance, lO43abattle took
place between the rajah and the Maghul Chief,
in which the former was not onlyworsted,
but obliged to give up claim to Chittagong
and Jepperah, so long
held by his predecessors.
ln
1047 Sooree Soo Thyue 2nd
son of the formere Rajah ascended the throne, but being a man
of noability, through his inability
the whole Kingdom fall into
disorder, he however shortly
after died, andwas succeeded by
his son WarraThyn who ruled tillthe year 1054.This prince however did not in anyway ameliorate the condition
of his subjects; his
immediate successor and
descendants MunneeShao and Sadoo
Wong held the reins of
government till the year 1058. When on
the death of thelatter, Tadong a Wuzeer became Rajah,
but he was deposed the following
year by a chief namedMarapee who
only held the rule
for 8 months, having been
deposed by a chief named Kala Maytawho in 1062 was expelled by Maratee Po, and
he again by Keojang who
ruled till 1068, when he
wasdeposed by Shah Doula who
governed till the year 1072 after
which a chieftain known
by the nameof the Kana Rajah
obtained the supremacy, and by
his bravery, and good management, not only putdown allfactions in his
kingdom, but regained the District of Chittagong, and Jepperah,
and ruled tillthe year
1093, when his son- in-law Soorea
aided by a party of conspirators deposed
and slew him, and assumed the
governmentof Arracan, but could not
retain that of Japperah and Chittagong, he
died in 1095 and was succeededby his son Naratee Buddee
who governed for one year
when he was deposed by his uncle NaraPawa
who only held the government during the year 1097,in 1097 his son Oojala ascended thethrone,
who after ruling for six months,
was killed by aMussalman named Kala who only ruled
for sixmonths, when he was killed
by a Mug Chieftain named Mamdaray
Miela of Oojala Rajah
whoreigned tillthe year 1104 and
was succeeded by his uncle Oobhaya who in
1109 sent an expeditionunder his son in
law saeew Twanja against
Ava, the result of which is not recorded.
ln 1113 Aga Bakir ,the Dacca Nawab having
been worsted in a contest
near to Dacca by a chief named
oomada appliedto the Rajah of Arracan
for assistance who sent a Sardar by name Laya Moorang
with 1000 war boatsto his aid, who obtained a victory
for Aga Bakir and returned
to Arracan, in 1123 Rajah Oobhaya diedand was succeeded by his
son Seeree Soo who only held the
reins of government for fortydays,when his
brother Pooraman assumed the Raj
and held it till 1126 in which year he was deposedand killed by Maha Rajh, a chieftain
who had married a daughter of Rajah
oobhaya.This Maha Rajhruled till 1135
when he was deposed
and killed by Soomana the son of the sardar who under Oobhayas government
had carried an armament to Dacca to the assistance of Aga Bakir. soo
Manaruled till the year 1139 in which year a person named Phooree
who was the head Musician
atArracan went privately to Sandoway
and having collected a number of men in the jungles withwhom he
attacked and killed Soomana
and held the sovereignty for 40 days,
after which he wasdeposed
and compelled to become a Rawbe (
Priest) by Thyn Moree a native of Ramree who ruledtill 1144 - on his death Samada son of his aunt ascended the throne, but—in
consequence of his bad government
several attempts were
made to depose him, a chief namedSyngdaway formed a plan in concert with Saggya Taungza
the Mau Soogree of Ramree to make thegovernment of the country over
to the Burmese.
Chongooza
then King of Ava rejected their
proposalon the ploy of the unhealthiness
of the climate of Araccan, stating
that he did not wish to exposethis army to the pestilential effects of that country. After
the death of Chongooza in the
year 1145and in Phado Phara ascending
the throne, Syundoway and
his colleague went privately to Avaandsolicited His
Golden footed Majesty
to take Arracan and its
dependencies under his protection,upon which the King sent
three of his sons Heinsoy Meng,
Peejay Meng, Tongoo Meng
with an armyin three divisions
to take possession of the country.The conspirator Syngdoway
conducted the main body into Arracan bythe island
route, Rajah Samada
on hearing of the approach of the
Burmese fledand concealed himself on the
island of Maway Dong Da close
to Ramree leaving the fate of hiskingdom in the hand of his minister Nea Laway
who opposed theinvaders at the village ofKeemabout7 cass to the southward of the fort of Arracan in which he was
worsted and the Burmese gotpossessionofthe country,thedivisionsandPeejayMengandTongooMengenteredtheprovinceby
the route of Toungo and
Sandaway.The Magh Chief at Sandaway by name Khoowarsee offeredresistance but not being
able to oppose the Burmese fled to Chata Anauk on the Naaf where he wasafterwards killed.The
Sardar of Ramee by name Lngshee Meng
Thatalya geree having
also beendefeated, the Burmese gotthe possession of the Kingdom.
ln
1146 when the government of the Burmese had been firmly established Raja Samada
was seizedand he with his
family,jewels and treasures and
the famous image of Goadmah conveyed
to Ava,Nanda Bagyan a Sardarwho
had accompanied the expedition was made
governor of Arracan andanother
chief by name Nara Samagya—was put in charge of Ramree and its dependencies Cheduba,
Nanda Kamanee was made
governor ofSandaway and the
conspirator Syngdoway was appointed
Meo Soogree of Arracan, and his
colleagueSaggya Toungza was
confirmed in his former situation of Meo Soogree of Ramree -
Nanda
Bagyan is stated to have been a
man of conciliating manners
and was much liked by thepeople.He put the Talek route into repair and
settled the country. This chief died in
1149 and wassucceeded by Auank
Phektyhuon who ruled till the year
1152. During his government, the tyranny
ofthe Burmese proving
intolerable, several of the Mug sardars revolted,
but finding
themselvesunequal to a contest,
they solicited aid from the British Government, which was refused,
at lengthbeing driven to desperation,
they displayed the banner of rebellion and
being headed by twoenterprising Chiefs
Sengsheer and Champree and joined by a number of the Mug inhabitants, theyassembled
at Pragyonta Panbra near to
Ooreatong on the eastern side of the
river and advancedupon Arracan,
which they besieged for five
weeks, and nearly succeeded
in taking the place, buttheir Chief Leader Sengsheer
having been accidentally
shot through the head, the Mughs lost allconfidence
in themselves and dispersed.The sardars
fled to the Company's
territories, and the
Ryatsreturned, to their villages.
On
the arrival of Mong Paree a relation
of the royal family, Anouk Phaktyhuon returned to Ava,Mong Paree only ruled for one year,
when he died in 1153, and was
succeeded by a Chieftain named Lyngdawon.
During this Sardar's rule,
the King of Ava invaded the Yoodra,
or country of Siam, histroops
suffering much from the want of provisions, one of
the collectors of state by name
Mongreewas sent to Arracan
with a fleet of boats forgrain,
he was attacked at the village of Aukhur ChykwaKheon in the District of
Sandoway, by a large party of Mugs under three
Sardar, Palongand
Kheoway Byong Myng,
who defeated Moongree and got possession of the boats,
shortly afterthis, they prepared
to attack Arracan, ontheir
arrival at Mahateelyngda Won
advanced to meet them, but they had dispersed before
hisarrival in consequence of being
hard pressed by afleet of war
boats from Ramree. The Mugh sardarsfled into the Chittagong district, and
their flowers returned quietly
to their villages.
In
1155 Syngdawon was recalled
and Myngla Rajah a relation
of the Kings appointed hissuccessor.During this chief's rule the King of Ava sent a
large army under Myngee Kheodong todemand
the three Mugh Sirdars Pulung, Khwappok,
and Kheoway togong
Myng, who had takenrefuge
in the company's territories,
who were delivered up.
Polung and Khwappok were shut up in adark cell and starved to death,
KheowayTagong Myng managed to make
his escape and againreturned to Chittagong
where he still resides .
ln
1157, Mynghla Rajah was recalled
and Myngee Kheodong appointed
his successor.ln 1160 , Khyngberring and his father
the Meosoogree with several
other Sarders stirred up a rebellion takingadvantage of the absence of Myngee Kheodong, who
had been called
upon by the King to takecommand
of the army employed in the
conquest of the Yoodra country. The
King on hearing of theinsurrection sent
for Khyng berrings brother
Sanguaway, who was then at Ava and after
acquaintinghim with the treachery of his
father and brother put him to death, and ordered Myngee Kheodongimmediately back
to Arracan placing under his command 3000
chosentroops. The Mughs
on hearingof his approach became
alarmed, deserted their leaders
and dispersed, the Meosoogree
and Khyngberring with other sirdars fled towards
Chittagong, The Meosoogree
falling sick on the way died atthe village
of Mraosik Kheon ( Chota Aunk ),
After this nothing particular
occurred till the year 1173when Khyng
Berring with other Sardars formed
a resolution to attempt the
expulsion of the Burmeseand having collected about 500
Mughs invaded Arracan
in 25 boats and landed at the village ofMoojay, the Kheonk of
which place immediately joined
him with about 400 men.He then
proceededto Ooreatong, attacked—the
Burmese Thanah (Guard Post)
and put them all to death.On
information reaching the Rajah
ofArracan he would not at first believe
it.The next day Khyng berring arrived with a fleet of war boatsat
Baboodong Ghat where he was
met by the Rajah and defeated.
After this
Myngee Kheodongturned every Mugh
out of the Town of Arracan. Khyng Berring
although worsted in his attack
upon Arracan had still a considerable force under
his command, part of which he
detached under somesteady Sardars
towards Talak, with orders to destroy all the village that did not
join him. They burntMuong Khwakaw
and Talak which created such terror
amongst the Mughs that they all
declared forhim and joined his standard and he very shortly overranthe
province of Arracan and itsdependencies. Myngee Kheodong, not being
able to oppose him in the field
applied all hismeans forthe protection
of the Capital. The Cheduba Rajah with a force of about 3000
men attempted toreinforce the Burmese troops but he was
attacked, by aparty of Mughs under
Mayok Toung Shaynear the village of Mollong
about two days journey from
Arracan, killed and his force
completelydefeated with the loss of about
1000 men, the rest fled into
the jungles and escaped. Shortly
afterthis, the governors of Ramree and Sandaway come
to retrieve the Burmese Character,
and punishthe insurgents with a force consisting of about 5000
men in two hundred war
boats.The Mughswaited for them at the village of Khung Mewa near to where they had defeated the Cheduba
Rajah.
The Mugh fleet consisted of 80 large
boats under Khyng
Berring in person who
attacked theBurmese with such bravery and skill,
as completely to defeat them with great
loss, and following upthe advantage
got possession of Ramree, Cheduba and Sandoway, at allof
which places he left
aconsiderable force and then
returned to Ooreatong where he built
a large stockade for the
receptionof his army, and having
completely hemmed in Myngee Kheodong
by a chain of stockades round thecapital, he sent a Vakeel,
by name Mahomed Hussian
formerly Cazee and Shabundar of Arracan,
tothe British governmentin
Calcutta to solicit its countenance and aid which were refused. Myngee Kheodond finding
himselfhard pressed for
provisions and no prospect of
relief resolved to attack the Mugh stockade atLaungra
Taungruo to the southward of the fort, which he
succeeded in carrying
out;three daysafterwards he attacked the MughPostat Lagyain
ring near to Baboodong ghaut and was equallysuccessful, upon which
Khyng Berring assembled all his forces near to Chambalay on the bank of theKhamong about 6---- from Arracan, where
the Burmese attacked and defeated
him with great loss, upon
which he retreated and shut himself up
with the remainder of his forces
on the stockade at Ooreutong.'About this time
reinforcement of 5000 men
arrived from Ava via Rangoon in
war boats.
On their reaching Sandaway,
they attacked the Mugh stockade and
were repulsed, upon which the
commander Lyngde Soon, one
of the former Rajahs of Arracan
told his Sardars if they did not
carry the place next day, he would put them allto
death -the following morning at
day light they again stormed the place,
which had in the meantime been
reinforced by a party from Ramree, notwithstanding, the Burmese
succeeded in carrying it; aftertheir loss of Sandoway, the Mughs
left their stockades at Ramree
and Cheduba, and took
to their war boats and gave the
Burmese battle near to Kheoo Kheemo in the Ramree
frontier in which they were
worsted.
When
Khyng berring heard of this disaster he
sent all his disposable force to
their aid, who met their defeated
friends near to Mreebong, about one day's
journey on this side of Talak,
where they waited the approach of the victorious Burmese.Another engagement
took place in which the Mughs
were defeated with great loss
and being now quite disheartened dispersed.
Khyng berring on hearing of the discomfiture of his forces, fled towards
Chittagong and took refugee with about twenty gusty followers
on the island of Muscalwhere he began to form plans
for attacking Arracan.
ln
the month of Katshon( May ) 1174
Mug Era, Kyhng Berring having assembled about
1500 Mughs again invaded Arracan partly
by water with 20 war
boats, the rest of his force marching by land and
succeeded in surprising the Burmese
post at Lawayde, where he found
a large depot of grain. The
Rajah of Arracan as soon as he heard
of Khyng berring's approach sent a
sardar by name Nakhyn
bo with a detachment of 1000 men to
oppose him. The
Maghsgave him battle near to
Maungdoo and were completely routed
and dispersed, Khyng berring escaping only with
seven followers -The
Rajah of Arracan supposing that Khyngberring's incursions
were conceived at ,
assembled a large force at Maungdoo
and sent a Vakeel to the officer commanding
at Chittagong to state that ifKhyngberring and
his followers were not given
up a war between the Kingdom
of Ava and the British government
would be the inevitable consequence.
The authorities
at Chittagoung assured the Vakeel that
Khyngberring incursions were
made without the knowledge or convenance of the British government, and thus the matter terminated, but not to the satisfaction of
the Rajah of Arracan.Shortly after
this, Khyngberring having
collected a number of malcontents
commenced marauding on the
plains, and was meditating another
attack upon Arracan but
falling in with a British detachment
under Lieutenant Goung, near to Coxes
Bazar his party was
dispersed, he notwithstanding very shortly
managed to collect them again and
invaded Arracan with about 40 war boats.On his arrival at the
village of Majay,he was joined by the Headman and the greater part of the inhabitant.
The Rajah
of Arracan immediately sent a fleet of war boats
against him, an engagement took
place near to Majay in which the Mughs
were again worsted, after this defeat Khyng Berring made only one more attempt to gain the sovereignty of
Arracan, having got together about three
thousand men he took up a position—
ln
the Kaladyne Mountains, which he
strongly stockade.The Burmese sent a force
against him, a battle took place in which he was
defeated with great loss, his followers
deserted him, and he was up
to the greatest shifts for the means of subsistence, after having
been hunted by the Burmese from one fastness to
another, and being
quite worn out with watching and fatigue,
he closed his eventful career
on the Mayngdong - a
mountain near to the village of Charkrea
in the Chittagong District.
Myngee Khendong
having ruled over Arracan for 18
years, died in the Mugh Era 1175 and was succeeded-by Myngee Maha Noratha, father in law of the former King of Ava.The only extra ordinary event
during his rule is the purchase of a
very large Diamond in Calcutta for the King through the agency of Soojah Cazee. After having held
the government for five
years, he was recalled
and Myngee Maha Khoodong
appointed his successor,
who took charge of his
office in 1181. Nothing particular occurred during his
government excepting the exportation of a large
quantity of rice to Rangoon for the use of the Burmese army
then engaged in a war with the Yoodra People.This Rajah was recalled in 1183
and Myngee Maha Kheojawah Teersawyn
was appointed his successor.
ln 1185 Mugh Era during the month of Toutha Long corresponding with august !823, a person named Kongzahkag - Kheouk
of the village of Majay, having oppressed the Ryats, they complained against him to the Rajah,
who decided in their favor, in consequence of which, the Kheouk left the province and fled into the Chittagong district, turned corn dealer and set the Rajah
at defiance. The acherung at
Maungdoo by nameMuay was ordered by the
Rajah to establish a Chokey at
Shapooree for thepurpose of seizing Koungjakkay.Whilst navigating the Naaf, one
day his boat happened to pass ladenwith rice,
Muay called out to him, "stop" telling him that a Chokey
had been established by the Burmese
and that each boat passing must pay 2
rupees, Koung jokkay
replied,"shapooree--' belongs to the company, you
have no right to establish a
Chokey on it, and I will not allow
you to search my boat" upon which
Muay's people fired into the boat
and Kaungjakkay was killed.
The
boatmen immediately pulled over
to the Chittagoung side, and reported
the circumstance to the Thanadar at Teek Naaf ( by name Tarhy
Ram) who brought the affair to the notice of the
Magistrate Mr. Lee Warner, who sent a party of Sepoys to take possession of the island of Shappooree. This was immediately made
known to the Rajah of
Arracan who after
some deliberation sent a
Detachment of 500 men undertwo sardars by names Chickaydo Manea
Bulla Noratha, and Nakhando,
to retake it, which they did, and this originated the war.
Previous however to resorting to open hostilities negotiations were
attempted by the British government to settle the differences and define the frontier of the two states but in vain.Shortly after
the declaration of the war the
Burmese entered our provinces in force,
and cut up a Detachment at Ramoo,
under Captain Nroton, where
theystockade themselves, but
as soon
as Sir A Campbell took Rangoon they were recalled
for the defense of Pegue.
Mr.
Robertson's settlement of the province of Arracan
and its dependencies.
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Rala -1
|
Sheikh Junoo, a Mussalman of the province of Arracan
|
This man has been for upwards of a twelve month past attached
to the Artillery as head man of
the coolies required in the Magazine; he is a relation of Sooja Kazee
and formerly lived in his village,
but having sided with Khyng Berring was obliged to seek
refuge at Har Bang in the Chittagong District.
|
Phagdas -2
|
Chyula Po- A
Ramoo Mug
|
This person is one of the zumeendars of Teek
Naaf and a descendant of a man who was formerly a Minister of state under the old Mug
government.
|
Pay
Reme -3
Yan
Keon - 4
|
Wyngeeree- an
Arracan Mug
|
This man,a brother in law of Khyng berring, in well known as
one of the most intelligent of his
tribe, he accompanied this office
as an interpreter and has rendered
greater service to the army
than any other individual
|
Soongaydo Keu
- 5
|
Choray - an
Arracan Mug
|
|
Mading Meade - 6
|
Mungla -A
Ramoo Mug
|
A Doobashee
attached to Mug Levy
|
Peedyng Keon
-7
|
Tablagyne-aRamoo Mug
|
|
Rungwa Keon
-8
|
Keojee-A RamooMug
|
This person
was appointed at the request of the former
Kheouk and the inhabitants of the village.
|
Oung
Keon - 9
|
Shaway oo - A
Ramoo Mug
|
A nephew
of Khyng Berring by the Mother's
side
|
Kanggya Shaug
- 10
|
Oonngyojan-a Ramoo Mug
|
A nephew
of Khyngberring
|
Pajarmfray Keon - 11
|
Maungborng-a
Ramoo Mug
|
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Maha Monee Chuk 12
|
|
|
Loolongbee
Keon 13
|
Napeeaygee
- Arracan Mug
|
Former Kheouk appointed
at the request
of the
inhabitants
|
Layyaming
Keon 14
|
Thaway
Chan - a Ramoo Mug
|
Jemadar
in the Mug levy
|
Prongbya
Keoh 15
|
Phasanay
- Ramoo Mug
|
Jemadar
in the Mug levy
|
Khyong
Pheda16
|
Raphasay -a Ramoo Mug
|
|
Chyng Khrang
17
|
Mung
Froo - a Ramoo Mug
|
|
Koola
Boom 18
|
Oogojrya
|
|
Ooreatong
19
|
Wyngeeree
- an Arraacan Mugh
|
A brother in law of the late Khyngberring
|
Mrojag
20
|
Choreepo-a Ramoo Mug
|
At present
employed with the Commissariat
Department
|
Meeneay Long 21
|
Lal Mohammed
and Alle
Mohammed
|
The
former thanadars of Arracan
|
Rasseedong
22
|
Jonying
Oung
|
Son of Hynja
and a lineal descendant of the old
Mug princes.
|
Namroosay
Khyun 23
|
Chylapo
Mungyau
Khyaubay
Raphaway
Bhyee
Khychyn
|
All relations and Ramoo Mughs
|
Chitoway 24
|
Mr. Jas
Fernandez--a native of Portugal
|
This division is commonly
called the island of Akyab situated at the mouth of the Ooreatong
river, it contains 19 Hamlets
or Paras and is conformed upon Mr. Fernandez as a reward for
his indefatigable and
zealous services.
|
Meeoom
Keon 25
|
Sawoo-
A Cheduba Mug
|
This man was
Kheouk during the Burmese rule
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Punay
Khyong 26
|
lbrahim - an Araracan Mussalman
|
This man is an old inhabitant of the village and rendered
considerable
service to the army in its
advance, he has since
been appointed by captain Drummond
asst. 2 Wn.
Genl. to the Head of the
lntelligence Dept. and has been invested
with the charge of this village as a reward for past and an incentive to future
Exertions.
|
Paleng
dong Keon 27
|
Rakphoway
|
This man
was Kheouk of this
division
during the Burmah
(Burmese) rule.
|
Angkara
Khyng 28
|
Mongshing-a Ramoo Mug
|
This man
was very active in
furnishing
coolies at the
commencement
of the campaign,
|
Mree boom
Keon 29
|
Ongaree
- an Arracan Mug
|
This
man was Kheouk
of the
division
during the Burmah rule,
|
Nawa
Kwagya 30
Lay
Thounanabra 31.
Nasharyng
Keon 32
|
Acherung Dongay - a remigrant Mug
|
ln selecting
Acherung for the
charge
of these villages, reference
has been made not only to his general conduct
which has always been
excellent and his hereditary
rights but also to the circumstance of its
being particularly desirable to entrust the
superintendence of the frontier
to a man who is personally obnoxious
to the
Burmese and will therefore be stimulated to activity
by his personal apprehensions as well as private interests.
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Krakchan
33
|
Tingrabo
- an Arracan Mug
|
This man
is son in law to the lateKhyng
Berring and of all the Mugsardars displayed the
greatestpersonal activity throughout
theadvance to Arracan,
especiallyduring the passage of the troopsfrom Mayoo
Mowa to Keoway
Kyandong,
he bear a high
character for bravery amongsthistribe having
once with a smallparty cut
his way through
anumber of Burmese war
boats.Elephants abound on his lands andhe has offered to catch
anynumber the government
mayrequire
|
Kaysala
34
|
Rahphaway
- a remigrant Mugh from Ramoo.
|
|
Keingaslay
Anouk 35
Tong
Phakeon36.
Konglong
Chambalay 37
|
Sheikh,Soojah Kazee -An Arracan
Mussalman
|
This individualwhose name
mustbe familiar to government isregarded
at the chief of all theMussalman in Arracan, under the
Burmese
he held by a tenure
somewhat similar to that of aJageerdar in Hindoostan nearly one third ofthe province. Such asovereignty it would have
been impolite and unjust to allow
him to
retain,
but it was at the same time expedient to prevent
his feeling being hurt at the
change of ruler,
and therefore an extensive and fertile
portion of the District has been left
under his charge.
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Prajogee
Keon 38
|
Oong
Phouny - a remigrant Mugh from Ramoo.
|
This man is son in law
of the late Khyng Berring
|
Wong Keon 39
|
Mongfroo - a
remigrant Mug from Chuckreea
|
This
man is one of the wealthiest and most
respectable man of his tribe and has on
every occasion furnished with
charity the quota required of him.
|
Jongrung
Keon 40
|
Gogee
- an Arracan Mug
|
This
man was a subadar in the Mugh Levy
was the first sardar with his dependents that entered the corps, his conduct
is represented by Captain Dickenson
as having
been uniformly praise worthy.
|
Pragyon 41
|
Phasanay
- a remigrant Mug
from Ramoo
|
Employed in the guide and
intelligence department.
|
Thoonayso
Keon 42
|
Baee
and Mungnea - Remigrant mughs from
Ramoo.
|
|
Pade
Keon 43
|
Kyasee
- a remigrant Mugh from Ramoo
|
|
Jeejo
Keon 44
|
Shurrafuddowa - a
Ramoo Mugh
|
Acting
Nazir of the Court
|
Neongyo
Keon 45
|
Achyang
- a remigrant Mugh from Cox's Bazar
|
This man was
employed in the Flotilla and
afterwards under the Execution
Engineer in building the barracks, he is industrious, activeand intelligent.
|
Kreybeng
Keon 46
|
Khay Kyne
- an Emigrant Mugh from Ramoo
|
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Loungra
ashay anouk 47.
Todyee
lay mabhek
|
Sheikh
Soojah- Acherung, - an Arracan Mussalman
|
This man
is a distant collateral relation
of Soojah Kazee and
is a person of
considerable influence
amongst the Mussalman of the province, during the Burmese rule he
was entrusted with the Management of a large Division of the province, his
father is at Umrapoorah
where he holds a situation in the King's household'
These
circumstances have
rendered
his profession to the British government obnoxious to suspicion which
however, his conduct has not on
the whole afforded any
sufficient reason for regarding as
well-founded, he is a man of intelligence
and Possessed of great information
relative to the
province
and the Burmese Empire in
general; he has resided at the capitals of both states
and is better acquainted with their respective powers
and resources than any other
Person in the province.
|
Konfray
Keon 48
|
Ameer
Allee, a remigrant
Mussulman from Cox's
Bazar where he was from
some time employed in the subsidiary Police establishment
|
This person
was interpreter to Brigadier Gen. Morrison.
The village was held under the Burmese by Soojah
Acherung who voluntarily resigned it to the present occupant.
|
Tongdyngdung
Khyong 49
|
Soojah Acherung
and Ameer Ali
|
This village is divided between the two Kheonks.
|
Rokpungpo
Klay 50
|
Paniarunja
- a remigrant Mug
|
This man is now a sub-sardar on the Mugh
Levy
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Gungkeon
51
|
Mong
Long Pray - a Burmah and the Mroosogree of Arracan
|
This
man had resided in Arracan for
upwards of 30 years the greater
part of which period
he held the situation of Mroosoogree,
as the
village contained a favorite garden
he applied for a grant which was given
to him, his information regarding the internal details of the province
is more copious and minute than that which any other person has furnished.
|
Pooreng
Keon or Baloee Para
52.
|
Mohamed Haneef allas Bong
Naproo
- an Arracan Mussalman
|
This
man has been head of this village
for the last 30 years he was a Sardar under the Burmese but joined our camp between
the 29thMarch- 21st of April 1825.
|
Pongdonp
53
|
Hassan Allee- an Arracan
Mussalman
|
This man was sword bearer to the Rajah of Arracan it was at this village
the army encamped on the 29th March.
|
Mong Choway
Keon 54
|
Shawayoo Alias sheik Omr
Khutob - An Arracan
Mussalman
|
This man
was employed by the Burmese as
Acherang he is now an interpreter
in the police court
|
Bong
do wut 55
|
Meer Mohamed
Ally Alias MongLa -an Arracan
Mussalman
|
This man at various times held responsible situation under the Burmese government,
he was
attached
latterly to the King of Ava's Raja
Gooroo's suite but having been ill treated by the Gooroo he
left him was
entertained as an interpreter in the police, He is intelligent and possesses a fund
of information and has
always conducted himself much to the
satisfaction of the Sub
Commissioner
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Ramree Name of
|
the Mroosoogree
|
Naow
|
Moom
1
|
Napparee
|
This man
was appointed by Coll. Murray with the
concurrence of the major part
of the inhabitants,
|
lnggoo
or low Island 2
|
Chyla
Po
|
Chyla
Po is a very active man sent from
this office to Coll.
Murray as an interpreter
|
Ryne
Brey Mee 3
|
Nafroo
|
This Sardar was appointed at the recommendation of the inhabitants by Coll. Murray.
|
Koow
Khyong 4
|
Nala
Froo
Chaunay
aung
|
This first of their Sardars was
appointed by
Coll. Murray. The second
is his brother who has returned from Chittagong.
|
Laydong
5
|
Phasanay
|
This man has
recently returned from Ramoo
where he had resided from 13 years,
he was placed at
the head
of the village by Lieutt. Coll. Murray.
|
Kandyng
6
|
Gong Bhong
|
This Sardar was elected
by the villagers and
appointed by Lieutt. Coll. Murray
|
Kyn Yowa
7
|
Na Po Fray
|
This Sardar was also elected by the villagers and appointed by Coll.Murray
|
Kanggo
8
|
Morapo,
Soobadar of the Mug Levy
|
This one of the most active Sardar in the
Levy, he was wounded on the
morning of the 29th March at Arracan.
|
You Theet 9
|
Maggee
|
This man is the son of the former Sardar of the village and has recently remigrated
from Harng in Chittagong
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Yowa
bolay Kheong bya
10
|
Showay
Phoa
|
This Sardar
was elected by
the villagers and appointed
by Lieutt. Coll. Murray
|
AIay Khoong
11
|
Kajosee
|
A remigrant Mugh from Beebee Kheel near
Chakrera and formerly Head of the village
|
Ganabok 12
|
Menree
|
A remigrant Mugh,
Brother of the person
appointment by Lieutt. Coll. Murray
on the election
of the people, with whose consent he has been constituted Sardar.
|
Meong byngla
13
|
Achyng
|
This Sardar elected by the people and appointed by
Lieutt. Coll. Murray
|
Than Tong 14.
Myng
Yat 15.
|
Than Toungja
|
This and the following villages have been placed under the charge of the brother of Hynjas, who derives his name from that
of the first of the three
division of which he acted
as head man until the year 1812,
when in consequence of Kheng berring invasion he was obliged to
emigrate
|
Than
Kheong 16
|
|
|
Keouk Pew
17
|
Menbung
|
This Sardar
was elected by the villagers
and appointed by Lt.
Coll. Murray
|
Mroo Kheong
|
Na Polong
|
Do. Do.
|
Maday Khyngo
|
Nayoo Proo
|
Do. Do
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Murag
Lyng 20
Keonk
to Ayng 21
|
Kion
Khngne
Keonja
Oong &
Nanaorig
|
The first of these Sardars
is the person elected by the villagers and appointed by
Lieutt. Coll. Murray the
2nd is the man
sent to Arracan
on
suspicion of his having been concerned in concealing property belonging to the
Burmah Rajah, the charge not
having been substantiated and
he being a
person possessed of influence
such as may
materially contribute to
the accomplishment of various
objects
it has been considered
advisable
to unite him with his relation
in the superintendence ofthe village.
|
Kouen
Kheong 22
|
Oounggya
Jyne
|
This Sardar
was appointed to the charge by this office on condition of his conveying
the dawk to Prome this man is a brother of Hynja
|
Lyng
Kheong 23
|
Thyn nee aung
|
Elected
by the villagers and
appointed by Lieutt.Coll. Murray
|
Keonk
Noe Wa 24
|
UbidulKareem& Napfroo
|
This is the
only Mussalman in the village, of the Sirdars the first was appointed by Lieutt. Coll. Murray the second has been
associated with him at the request
of the villagers.
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Town of Ramree is divided
|
into five Mahellas
as follows
|
|
Tan Kaman
1
|
Nambochay
|
ln thls Mahilla
there are twenty Burmese, thirty Musslaman and two hundred Mugh house holders, it was
formerly chiefly peopled by
Mussalman and on that account is now placed under
the
charge of a person that tribe.
|
Shaway
Dong breng 2
|
Su ngnee
|
These three
Mahillas contain 460 houses of which
about 200 are occupied by Burmese
old residents
of the place
& married to Mughwomen, these Mahillahs are
under
charge
of an officer called the Layragong, whose named is Charry Po.
|
Sayagong Breng 3
|
Nahla
|
|
Aung
hirk 4
|
Nachyngay
|
|
Mroodong 5
|
|
This Mahallah is no longer in
existence
the great stockade
having been
erected on its site.
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
This province of Sandoway is under
Nathoo Mroosoogee appointed
by Lieutt. Wyndham and
continued in his office under
the guardianship of his
maternal uncle Jophio.Thls
boy's parents were Burmese,
his father held the
situation of Mroosoogree for 6 year previous to the expulsion of the Burmese of whose government he was a public functionary and not as it is erroneously supposed
a Mug Rajah since the Father's death the mother has
married Oonggyo Jyne
the Soogree of 14 the general charge of divisions No.-3-9-8-13-16-12&17
has
been under the appellation of Khong
Keon Soogree conferred upon a man
Oaong Byng Son of a remigrant Mug named Ramada who 25
years ago was Mroosoogree of the
province, he accompanied the
army to Arracan at theHead of a
party of Boat men raised
by him for public service
|
Mroo Ma
1
|
Napo_
a Burmah
|
This man
was appointed by Lieutt Wyndham. This divlsion includes the town and
stockade.
|
Laya
Rawa 2
|
Natoway
and Malongway Mugs
|
Of these
men the first is the
person appointed by
Lieutt.
Wyndham
the second associated with him is a relation who has recently returned
from Beebee
Kheel or Chittagong.
|
Choway
Rawa 3
|
Mragyo
Oo _a Mugh
|
This Sardar was appointed by Lieutt.
Wyndham.
|
Syndaway
Khrong 4
|
Sy
Mra Noo ----- Burmah
|
Do. Do.
|
Pantha
Khrong 5
|
Ourhla
/ Rainoo
|
Of these
two the first appointed by Lieutt.
Wyndham the 2nd is his
relation lately returned
from
Oruscal
|
Padong Kheong 6
|
Malingda,
Mugh sabadar of the Mugh levy
|
As the person appointed is
necessarily
detained with his
regiment
his brother named
Namia will manage the village.
|
|
|
|
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Saungraway
Kheong 7
|
Phosanay - Jemadar of the Mug levy
|
This man name has been recorded with the consent of the man appointed by
Liutt. Wyndham, Prasanay's
brother in law, Keo Jyne Proo
will manage the
affairs of the village.
|
Tonggo
Kheong 8
|
Sa,
Oo -a Burmah
|
Appointed by
Lieutt. Wynd ham
|
Kheongya
Ruwa 9
|
Na Khyeng -Mug
|
Do. Do
|
Alaygra
Rawa 10
|
Na Sa Oo-Burmah
|
Do. Do
|
Maee
Chunay 11
|
|
|
La mo KheonC
12
|
Oong Janyng - Mug
|
This
man is a remigrant Mugh from Sherbong in Chittagong where he furnished considerable
number
of boat men for
the public service.
|
Rant
Kheong 13
|
Shaway - Mug
|
Appointed by
Lieutt. Wynd ham
|
Cha
Rawa 14
|
|
Oounggyo
Jyne Appointed from this
office and
exempted
from furnishing coolies on
condition of keeping up a Dak
communication between the two division of the
army
|
Laya
Rawa 15.
|
Na Proo
Bong - a Mug
|
This man
was appointed by Lieutt Wyndham
|
Chabring
thana rawa 16
|
Khay Loway - Mug
|
Appointed
by Lieutt. Wynd
ham
|
Beng
Kheong 17
|
Makhyng
|
Appointed
at Arracan from this office.
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
Province of Macon or Mekha waddy
commonly called Cheduba this Sardar was appointed by
Brigadie, Mac Creagh. He as a
general charge of the
whore province but
moreimmediately of the following
villages_
|
Limboo
Rawa l.
|
Keo Jawa & Romasee
|
About
one half of the House are occupied
by Burmese This is the Sardar village and
where the stockade is
|
Jay Pa
Rawa 2
|
Kra
ounghee
|
The whole lsland of Cheduba
is regarded-
|
Mongchay Rawa 3
|
|
was
but one village division and its sub-divisions as paras
or Hamlets. The soogrees or
Kheonks are all the same
men as were on
the first
occupation
of the island continued or
appointed by the Moosoogree
nominated by Brigadier Mac Creagh
|
Mong Ray Rawa 4
|
Khome
Bray Mug
|
|
Ka Raw Rawa
5
|
Thingne Ma
Oo
|
|
Name of the village Division
|
Kheouk or Headman
appointed to the charge of Division
|
Remarks
|
The following villages
are under the immediate
charge of a man named
pheoown, who formerly held an officein the province, but emigrated
after Khyngberring's failure in 1812 and returned with the army in the capacityof a superintendent of a party
of coolies and Boat man
raised by himself for the public
service. this office is to that of Narawasoogree or
superintendent of five village, his quotas to be furnished through
the Mroosoogree
|
Towa
thoo Rawa 6
|
Mra Nee
|
|
Keemoo Rawa 7
|
Oung Thoway
|
|
Mungbrung Rawa 8
|
Mrajyo Oo
|
|
Chalay Prang Rawa
|
Chaunay
Oung
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The population of Arracan
and its dependencies Ramree, Cheduba & Sandaway does not at present exceed 100,00 souls, may be classed as follow—
- Mughs six tenths
-
Mussalman three tenths
Total 100,000 Souls
-
Burmese One tenth
The
Muisalaman Sardars generally
speak good Hindoostanee, but the lower orders of that class, who speak
a broken sort of Hindoostanee,
are quite unintelligible to those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the jargon of the
southern parts of the Chittagong District. The universal Language of the
provinces isthe Mugh, which
although differing in some respects from the Burmah,
particularly in
pronunciation, is written and spelt in the same way and with the same character; almost everyone is able
to write and as females are not precluded from receiving instruction,
they are often shrewd
and intelligent. The Mugs,
beingparticularly fond of hunting and fishing, do not make such good farmers as
the Mussalman.
However as Bunneahs and shop keepers they surpass the Bengollee
in cunning and on all occasion
try, and very often successfully, to
overreach their customers; stealing is a predominant evil amongst them, yet they are not given to lying, when detected
after the commission of any
felonious act, however serious, they almost invariably, and with the utmost
frankness confess the crime, and detail with the greatest minuteness the manner
in which it had been perpetrated.
Customs in Marriage
The
Burmese follow the example of
European Nations, and court their wives after the consent of the parents has been obtained; a day is fixed forthe wedding, and all the relations and friends of the parties invited to a festival
in the Brides father's house, after thepreliminaries of the dowry have been settled, the whole
set down to the feast, the
bride groom and bride eat out of- the
same dish, which binds the contract and
they are declared to be man and
wife, when the son-in -law
becomes a member of the family till his
wife shyness has worn off and she wish to have a house of her own, the Mughs go through the same
ceremony with the exception of not having the pleasure of courting.
The
young folks are not allowed to think of marriage unless
the match be arranged by the
parents. Should the Husband wish to separate
from his wife against her will, and
inclination, he must give up all
the property and take upon him all her debts, and quit the house with nothing on but his Dholie,
but should the wife wish
for a divorce, she has only to
summon her Husband before the
Magistrate and tender
to him 25 Rupee, which by their law, he must accept, and the release is
effected by the wife breaking a Pan leaf in two, eating one half
herself and giving the other to her
husband, should they
have any children they are divided according to their sexes the father obtaining the boys, and
the mother the girls. Should man and
wife separate by mutualconsent
the property is equally divided and
that are at liberty to remarry.
Slavery
Amongst the Burmese
and Mugh slavery is tolerated in all shapes. Slaves bought from the Khongs or Hill people cannot redeem
themselves by money without
the consent of the owner. Every other species of slave has to the privilege of ransom It is a common custom amongst the lower orders when a man wants money to pawn
his wife for a certain period or
untilthe debt be liquidated. Should the woman become pregnant whilst
in pawn the debt is rendered null
and void and the husband
can reclaim his wife if he chooses,
takesthe child also, and a fine 60 rupee from
the father. Such practices are shockingtothe civilized
mind, butthe barbarous and dissolute habits of these people resonated them all sort of prostitution and
vices, a woman loses
nothing of reputation by the frequent change of her husband and is as- much respected
by the community generally as those who continue constant.
The
Burmese and Mugh
women having equal liberty
with their Lords and Masters
are fond of dress and appearing
in public, the dress worn
by the women consists of a red
binder wrapt tightly round the bosom, over
which a robe coming down as
far as the knee, the lower garment or
what ought to be a petticoat is an
oblong piece of cloth only sufficiently wide
to meet and fasten on one side
of the waist so that every step a
fashionable female takes, exposes one limb completely, they
are however not backward in
showing their shapes and
well-formed persons to the best advantage, always taking care to conceal as much
as possible the appearance of the
feet.
Funeral Ceremonies
The
Mughs have no prescribed form for disposing of the dead. Some burn the
bodies others bury them, the coffin of
the wealthy are richly gilt, and made in the shape of a sarcophagus. The priests and
men in power are generally embalmed, and
their bodies preserved
for many years. The method of cleaning
the intestine is by
quicksilver. Music and dancing take
place at the funerals of those whose
friends can afford to pay for the
entertainment, and although the people
are by their Shasters prohibited
from the use of liquor on any occasion, it often happens, that a funeral is the sense
of dissipation and riot.
The
musicians are all registered and placed under a Sardar styled by the Rajah Sangeed Laway, and no one
can procure a set without an
application to him, who charges according to the number of
instruments, the Sangeeds Laway
pays a considerable sum
annually to the Rajah for this privilege -
lmport and export duties
The custom
house was at Arracan which had five detached chokies
established at the following places,
one at Rala one at Peekheon, one
at Ooreatong one at Mongbra
and another at Limroo kheon. When boats or vessels arrived at Ooreatong which was the chief Chokey and not farmed out, the Durogah often— taking an inventory ofthe cargo,
put a peon on board to conduct the vessel to the custom house, where
duties were levied
in kind at the rate of 10
percent, unless a pecuniary arrangement had been entered
into, which was not an uncommon custom, all the other chokies were
leased out yearly, but the rent paid every six months -the revenue
realized from import and export
duties may be averaged at 50,000
per annum.
Ferries
There
were five public ferries in the province, on at Teek Naaf one at Chukadong, alias Baboodong Ghat
Lengrak kado, one at Mongboway and one at Radong
Myongbong Kado, which were allfarmed
out-The revenue derived from the Ferries
amounted to about ln. Rupees 400
per annum-The L7 large Nullahs viz the Kalaydyne; Ooskalyng, Namado, Belyn Kheon, Meekheon, Zemma Kheon,
Yan Kheon, Anouk Yoo Kheon,
lraidan Kheon, Mosay Kheon, Limroo
Kheon, Pymarung Kheon, Ashay Limroo Kheon, lrraway Kheon, Jong
Kheon, Talet Kheon and Yononaway Kheon were also farmed out with the privilege of a monopoly
of all feeswas timber,
tobacco, cotton and bamboos grown on the hills and also of the Poojoung a sort of twilled cloth made
bythe hill people and much prized
bythe inhabitantsof the plains. The
revenue derived from this source averaged at about ln.Rs.-8,000 per annum -,
Mint
The
mint was in Arracan and any person was allowed
to take bullion to it, for the purpose
of being coined paying 5 percent
to the state; the process of coining
was very tedious, the silver after
being melted was cut into small
pieces then weighed and beat out to the proper size, the coin was then placed between two dyes and with
a few strokes of a heavy hammer the
impression was effected, when the whole
of the establishment was employed they could with difficulty make two thousand rupees per day. –
Land Revenue
It
appears, that the only land
assessed, was that on which sugar
canes, hemp, indigo, onions, garlic
and turmeric are grown, the annual tax
upon a piece of land 150ft square sown
with sugar cane or indigo
two rupees and one rupee for hemp
on the same measurement. Onion, garlic
and turmeric on a strip of ground 150
long by 3 ft wide paid
eight annas; revenue on the produce generally
was levied at one uniform
rate throughout the kingdom, every plough
drawn by buffaloes was assessed at 10 tayngs equal to 2 1/2 Arries or 36 seers=14 Manuds 16 seers
but ploughs drawn by
bullocks paid only 10 tayngs annually .
Fisheries
For
the privilege of using or fishing in the
tanks or fresh water lakes,
two rupees were annually exacted
from every 30 houses; nets used in the rivers were assessed according to their
size, averaging from two to ten rupees each
per annum, where stakes
were used, thetaxation
was regulated accordingto the
nature of the bank and the distance stated in, the revenue derived
from the fisheries amounted to
about 2000 rupees annually.
Productions
Teak
timber is to be had in the hills at the source of the Kaladyne and Mraisay
river but the difficulty in bringing it down to the plains so much enhances the price, that it is found a cheaper plan
to import it from Rangoon and
Laymeana in the district of Bassein-The garjantree
called Kanyeng red larracel and
Toon abound in the banks of the Naaf and Mayoo, near the foot
of the Mountains. -The pine
apples and plantains of these provinces are perhaps the finest flavored in the world,
and procurable in the greatest
abundance, mangoes,jack fruit, sweet Limes
and coconut are also
abundant but oranges- are scarce'
Bangans, red pepper, cucumbers, water melons,
papas, and rutaloo are very plentiful.
Sugar
cane grows most luxuriantly and if cultivated to any great extent
would produce aconsiderable revenue
to government. _
The
indigo plants is as rich
and flourishing as any in
Bengal, but the art of
manufacturing it,is unknown to the inhabitants, and consequentlythe cultivation
of the plant is
almostentirely neglected, oilfrom
the tel plant is produced in
considerable quantities in the plainsbut mustard seed
oil, cotton and tobacco are
cultivated on the banks of the hill
streams.
The
staple articles of the province are rice and salt in plentiful seasons. Dhan used
to sell for three Mug rupees the
100 Arrees = 30 Maunds and
the latter from 15 to 18Arrees.
The cultivation
of rice may be carried on to any
extent, and as the population increase willbe extended and send not only to render
the climate and country more
healthy but bybecoming an article of
great trade will increase
the revenue considerably. _
Black
peeper grains wild at Aung and Sandoway,
if cultivated might become
an article oftrade and yield a handsome revenue
to government, Limestone is to be had in abundance on the island of Ramree, cheduba, and Jaygoo
and asthe soil of country answers
for brick making, there will no
difficulty in introducin[
Ruckhabuildings into these
provinces; during the rule of the Mughs and Burmese,no one was allowed to build brick or stone houses; those materials using appropriated solely for theconstruction of their temples and
the repair of fortifications, all the house are of wood, andno sardar
could build one that did not correspond
with his rank, the plan of
which being inthe first instance
submitted-for the approval ofthe
princes.
Gold
and Silver dust are found in the Nallahs at Bassein, allthose employed in gathering the precious metals
pay each 12 rupees in gold for
the privilege, no one is allowed to collect the dust without a Purwanah
from the King - The process
is managed by a tray about ½ an inch deep which is filled with sound,
and taken into the stream where the sand is moved aboutand carried away by the water, the metals
remaining at the bottom.
The
soil of Cheduba is well adapted for the
cultivation of cotton which
may be introduced with advantage.
Sandoway Aung and various parts
of the province of Arracan appear favorable for the cultivation of coffee, and I would recommend the immediate
introduction of the plant into these provinces, the land
holder are very desirous
to improve and add to the productions of the country, and ought to meet with
every encouragement, if a nursery on a small scale, under an experienced superintendent was established to rear the coffee plant, I have no doubt
the experiment would prove
successful, and might be
made at a very trifling expense
to the government .
Peace having been concluded with the court of Ava and
the British government, it appears to me that a very considerable reduction of the military force in these provinces might withadvantage be immediately affected. The European Regiment
at Cheduba is not any longer required
and at present maintained at an
enormous expense. The following Military
and naval establishment will in my opinion
be quite sufficient for the protection of Arracan
and its dependencies.
Two Regiments of Native lnfantry
One company of European Artillery
Four
Companies of Pioneers.
The Mug levy completed to 600 muskets
The provincial corps to 500 muskets—
Flotilla
One armed Brig
12 Gun Boats
50 flats
Disposition of the Force
Head
Quarters Akhyab
1-Regiment of Native lnfantry
Artillery Detachment-Pioneers Ditta
Amherst
lsland
1- Regiment Native lnfantry
1- Brigade of pprs.
To
detach two companies to Sandoway and a
Jemadar party to Cheduba for the purpose of countenancing police.
The duty of Ramree, and the province
of Arracan generally, to be taken
jointly by the Mugh Levy and the provincial Corps, so that the regular troops
would always be available for
services.
The
flotilla ought to be placed entirely under
the control of the office
commandingthe South Eastern
Division, who would them,
at all times and at all seasons
be enabled to provide for any
emergency, and when
police Thannahs have been established at Cheduba, Sandoway, Aeng and Talak the arrangement will be perfect complete.
The
whole country as I said before being Sunderbun from the bottom of the Mountains, to the sea,
marching is out of the question and
consequently a few elephants and as
many bullocks as might be requisite for the guns, would be the only cattle required, a portion of the flatswhen not wanted for the transport of troops and
stores might with advantage
be employed under the Salt
Agent for the conveyance of salt from
the different villages to the golas and from
the golas to the vessels on which the salt might
be shipped for Calcutta. _
Arracan and its dependencies having been
much harassed for the last
two years, the cultivation of the soil has been greatly neglected, and as no survey of the country has yet been made, it is impossible at present
to make a correct assessment, I
would however respectfully recommend
that a settlement be made with the
land holders for five years they paying
nonrevenue for the first year, but after
the expiration of that period
to pay a moiety of the
assessment that may be fixed upon, half yearly import and export duties however ought to be levied
as soon as the rate shall have been
determined by the government.
The land revenue of Arrancan and its
dependencies--for the first five years may be estimated at 150,000 rupees per Annum.
lmport and export duties @ ---------------50,000
Court fees and fines @.......................... 20,000
Total l.R.P ………………………………………---220,000 Per annum.
Exclusive of what may be derived from
the manufacture of salt and sale
of opium,--after the topographical
survey of the country has been
completed, which might certainly be effected
in five years, during which period
the population under our government would rapidly increase and as
the soil of the country is
peculiarly fertile and productive, the
revenue after the lapse of the first settlement might I have every reason to suppose,
be enhanced three fold.
Sub commissioner's office
Akhyab
26th April 1826.
I
have the honor to be
Sir
Your most
obt. Servant
Sub
commissioner